Dear Stratham Residents,
Please read below for news and notes from the Town of Stratham. In this edition:
To sign-up for these updates and other notifications, please visit this section on our website and check the "Select Board" box under News and Announcements.
The Select Board
Michael Houghton, Chair Allison Knab, Vice-Chair Joe Anderson
We wish you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, peace and joy.
Please note: Town Offices will be closed on Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving.
Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, trash and recycling pick up will be delayed by one day if your pick up is on Thursday or Friday. Thursday's pick up will be on Friday, Friday's pick up will be on Saturday.
Early next week, tax bills will be sent out by the Tax Collector. Tax rates are set by the NH Department of Revenue Administration. These rates are based on the spending decisions made at School and Town Meetings in March 2024. This year’s significant tax rate decrease is a direct result of the increase in town-wide property valuation from $1,608,852,837 billion to $2,569,061,486 billion.
The 2024 Tax Rate is $13.12; a 37% decrease in the 2023 rate of $20.91.
Municipal $2.08
County $0.54
Local Education $9.40
State Education $1.10
Below is an example of the tax rate’s impact on a taxpayer whose assessed value increased by the town-wide residential median of 63%. The resulting tax bill for property owners with a 63% increase in their valuation is 2.3% increase over last year or $234.
The Town’s website has been updated with information about understanding taxation in New Hampshire and this year’s revaluation in Stratham:
Interested in Stratham baseball and softball? We are looking for community engagement as we take a look at where we currently are and what changes are necessary for a successful spring season. Join us for a discussion on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7:00pm at the Municipal Center. To learn about other Parks & Rec programming, Click here to read their newsletter.
The Wiggin Memorial Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that a new Director will be joining the Wiggin Memorial Library very soon! After reviewing numerous applications, the WML Hiring Committee felt that the best candidate was Steve Butzel, formerly Director at the Portsmouth Library and, more recently, WML interim Director for five months in 2022. Steve's start date will be November 25th.
Join us on Sunday, December 1st at 4:50pm at the Stratham Fire Station for our annual community tree lighting event. Dress for the weather as this event is outdoors. Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa served by our Stratham Fire Department Auxiliary. Great way to kick off the holiday season. All are welcome!
Stratham Fire Department Auxiliary and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive in the Morgera Room at the Fire Station on Thursday, December 12 from noon to 5:00pm. Please join this lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today! Click here to make an appointment
We have an Alternate Position opening on our Board of Adjustment. If you are interested in contributing to the administration of the Town's zoning ordinance, you are welcome to apply for Select Board appointment to this land use board, which meets once a month. All interested residents are welcome to apply.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Bruce Kerr, president of the Stratham Historical Society, died peacefully in his home on October 28th.
Following a full and impressive career in corporate America, Bruce’s retirement days were fully grounded in his desire to give back. Bruce gave generously of his time and of himself. He delivered food to the homeless. He brought meals and cut lawns for friends with health care challenges. He gave rides to seniors and to those needing medical care. Bruce even certified his emotional support dog to visit senior homes and hospitals. Fortunately, Bruce included the Stratham Historical Society among the places and people to which he gave. For several years, Bruce assured a steady and affable presence behind the front desk where he greeted and assisted all visitors. When Pat Sapienza decided to step down as president of the Society in 2016, there was no other thought than to ask Bruce if he wanted to step into the presidency. He did so with a smile, and has thankfully led our team for the past eight years. The photo below was taken at our 2016 Annual Meeting where new President Bruce Kerr led us in thanking Pat Sapienza for her excellent years of service.
